Bikinis in Antarctica? SI swimsuit issue goes global

(USA Today) -- Sports Illustrated and its cadre of babes in bikinis traveled to all seven continents for this year's swimsuit issue, breaking ground (and ice?) with what it claims is the first fashion shoot in Antarctica.

Which raises some questions: What were the Antarctica swimsuits made of? Gortex? Fleece? Fur? Can goose bumps be airbrushed out?

The issue goes on sale Feb. 12. In an effort build buzz around what has grown from a mere magazine spread to a "multi-platform franchise," SI is close-lipped about the particulars of the locations -- not that the background is the main attraction.

The magazine has teamed with the Travel Channel for a behind-the-scenes look at the globetrotting, skin-revealing fashion shoot. Sports Illustrated: The Making of Swimsuit '13 7 Continents, 17 Wonders premieres Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

"From battling sandstorms in the African dunes to traversing treacherous cliffs in Asia, we'll show what goes into capturing these singular moments on film," reads a somewhat breathless joint press release.

And we thought the worst those swimsuit models had to endure was hunger pains.